Collins Criticizes Unions as New Zealand Faces Strike Disruptions

Public Service Minister Chloe Collins has publicly criticized unions in New Zealand over ongoing strikes that have disrupted services for patients, students, and families. In an open letter addressed to the nation, Collins expressed regret for the impact of the industrial action and described the strikes as a “coordinated attack” apparently motivated by political agendas from the unions involved.

Collins specifically targeted the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA), alleging that their priorities have shifted away from educational issues. She highlighted that during negotiations in early October, the top item on the PPTA’s agenda was related to Palestine, rather than key topics such as student achievement or curriculum changes. “Palestine. Not terms and conditions. Not student achievement. Not the new curriculum. That’s not what students or parents should expect,” Collins stated.

However, PPTA President Chris Abercrombie defended the union’s agenda, clarifying that the order of items was not indicative of priority. He noted that the minister’s office had requested a proposed agenda to avoid overlap with active claims in the bargaining process. The four items submitted included Palestine, changes to the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), AI marking, and curriculum discussions. Abercrombie emphasized that although Palestine was listed first, there was no specific prioritization.

The cancellation of the meeting between the PPTA and Education Minister Erica Stanford has further intensified the situation, with the union seeking to reschedule. Abercrombie expressed his hope that Collins had misunderstood the context of the union’s position regarding the ongoing dispute.

Collins also extended her sympathies to the more than 6,000 New Zealand citizens whose medical appointments and procedures have been postponed as a result of the strike. “I know some of you are living in pain, and in fear of a possible diagnosis that will now be delayed,” she said. She characterized the industrial action as “unfair and unwarranted,” highlighting the government’s responsibility to manage the country’s finances prudently amid rising demands for spending across various sectors.

In response, Sarah Dalton, Executive Director of the Salaried Medical Specialists Association, criticized the government for its handling of negotiations. She pointed out that the increases offered to doctors have not kept pace with current inflation rates, stating, “The five percent increase offered to senior doctors was over a period of 28 months, which amounted to less than a two percent increase per year.” Dalton called for a reevaluation of the government’s approach to bargaining, particularly regarding recruitment and retention issues in healthcare.

Union leaders, including Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary of the Public Service Association, accused Collins of “playing politics” and urged the government to return to negotiations. Fitzsimons stated that the government has failed to adequately address the concerns of health workers regarding safe staffing and the quality of patient care. She urged ministers to stop the blame game and take responsibility for the ongoing disputes.

As the strike looms, Abercrombie reiterated the urgency for the government to present a suitable offer to teachers, citing a shortage of 550 teachers for the upcoming year, according to ministry figures. He highlighted the importance of having a well-supported workforce, particularly with significant changes to the curriculum and assessment on the horizon.

With the situation evolving, New Zealand’s government faces mounting pressure to resolve these disputes and ensure that essential services are not further disrupted.